Eastern Africa’s trade resilience and regional integration in focus at ICSOE 2025

Kigali, Rwanda, 3 October 2025 (ECA) - The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa, convened the 2025 session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) under the theme "Responding to External Shocks and Advancing Regional Economic Integration."

The session brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, economists, trade experts, and media representatives to assess trade performance across Eastern Africa and explore strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Despite the introduction of sweeping U.S. tariffs in April 2025-part of the "Liberation Day" package imposing up to 30% duties on major Asian exporters-Eastern African countries experienced a surprising surge in exports to the U.S. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led with an 860% increase in exports between April and July 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Uganda and Rwanda more than doubled their exports, while Ethiopia and Kenya posted gains of 95% and 22%, respectively.

"The region's resilience is encouraging, but we must act collectively to address structural vulnerabilities and unlock inclusive, sustainable growth," said Andrew Mold, Director of ECA's Eastern Africa Office.

These gains are largely attributed to trade diversion effects, as Eastern African exporters-still eligible under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)-benefited from reduced competition in the U.S. market. Even countries previously expected to suffer, such as Madagascar and Tanzania, recorded modest growth.

Regional trade is also on the rise. In 2024, total trade within the East African Community (EAC) surpassed $11 billion, marking a 22% increase from 2023. Intra-African trade grew by 8.5%, far outpacing the 0.4% growth in exports to markets outside the continent. Manufactured goods-such as textiles, chemicals, cement, and pharmaceuticals-are driving this growth, highlighting the potential of regional value chains and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

"AGOA has helped, but we must prepare for a future beyond it. Diversification is no longer optional-it's essential," said Priscilla Andrianarivo of the Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation in Madagascar.

Eastern Africa's export performance has also been buoyed by a surge in global commodity prices. Gold prices rose by over 60% between January 2024 and July 2025, while coffee prices nearly doubled. Tanzania and Uganda, both major gold producers, capitalized on this trend. Uganda also benefited from strong exports of coffee, tea, fish, and flowers. Meanwhile, Kenya's tea exports hit a record $1.7 billion in 2024, up from $1.4 billion the previous year.

Structural Challenges and Strategic Investments

Despite these gains, the session highlighted persistent structural challenges. Many countries remain heavily reliant on mineral exports, particularly gold, while the share of manufacturing in total exports continues to decline. This underscores the urgent need for economic diversification and industrial transformation, particular under the aegis of the AfCFTA. Concerns were also raised about the prevalence of non-tariff barriers and the lack of compliance to agreed trading arrangements:

Infrastructure development was spotlighted as a key enabler of trade resilience. Kenya's Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Tanzania's Bagamoyo Port upgrades, and Rwanda's Rusizi Port development were cited as examples of strategic investments improving logistics and regional connectivity.

For Deeper Reading

Access the full background document here:
Trade Performance for Eastern Africa (2024-2025) - UNECA Background Paper

Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: [email protected]